Inspecting articles

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for inspecting articles to determine whether or not peripheral portions of the articles are in predetermined relation to one another which comprises moving the articles in a continuous path past an inspection station, directing a first beam of light transversely of the path of the article, causing a first portion of each article to intercept said first beam of radiant energy, directing a second beam of radiant energy which is in predetermined relation to the first beam and is adapted to have one part thereof intercepted by a second portion of the article and another part thereof pass the article if the second portion of the article is in predetermined relation to the first portion and creating a signal for reject or recording when the second beam is intercepted in its entirety or passes without intercepting the article. The method and apparatus further comprises utilizing a plurality of beams at different preselected longitudinally spaced areas of the article to determine other positions of various portions on the periphery of the article with respect to one another at each cross-section.

United States Patent [191 Birner et al.

1 INSPECTING ARTICLES [15?1566156'15 Rilii-TA."BiriierfToledo; Robert D.Kohler, Temperance, Mich;

Stewart'M. Lang, Toledo, both of Ohio [73] Assignee: Owens- Illinois,Inc.,Toledo, Ohio 7 [22] Filed: May 28, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 147,838

Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Attorney-J. R. Nelson and E. J. Holler1 1 Feb. 13,1973

1 5 ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for inspecting articles to determinewhether or not peripheral portions of the articles are in predeterminedrelation to one another which comprises moving the articles in acontinuous path past an inspection station, directing a first beam oflight transversely of the path of the article, causing a first portionof each article to intercept said first beam of radiant energy,directing a second beam of radiant energy which is in predeterminedrelation to the first beam and is adapted to have one part thereofintercepted by a second portion of the article and another part thereofpass the article if the second portion of the article is inpredetermined relation to the first portion and creating a signal forreject or recording when the second beam is intercepted in its entiretyor passes without intercepting the article. The method and apparatusfurther comprises utilizing a plurality of beams at differentpreselected longitudinally spaced areas of the article to determineother positions of various portions on the periphery of the article withrespect to one another at each cross-section.

11 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENIEDFEB-IQYJQB SHEET 10F 8 lgTORS N EG mmmw T $2 H- 4 AT TORNE Y5 PATENTED FEB I 3 I973 SHEET 30F 8PATENTEDFEB 13 m5 3.716.136 snismnra V TORJ OBERT D. g L

ym T Zulu- ATTORNEYS PAT-ENTEDFEB 13 I975 snmsois 1 fi &1, A0 We a M ATTORNE VS PATENTEDFEB13 I973 3,716,136

' SHEET 6 [IF 8 A TTORNE VS Fae. ll

PAIENTEDF EB I 3 I973 SENGORS LIGHT 0 f DARK g NECK TRIGGER NECK *I NECK"*2 LIGHT BOTTOM SHEET 8 OF 8 5 EFF AND LIGHT Mick DARK NECK 2 BOTTOMDARK QIDEWALL DEFECT LOCATION OUT PUT$ NECK --O HEIGHT O TRIGGER SIDELIGHT SIDE AND E DARK ORIFICE PIATE PROXIMITY PICKUP "I omnc: PmPROXIMITY PICKUP 2 SIDEWALL I 9 7m so 3 Sicjeauall Circuits Simdar toAbove REsET LINE FIG. l3

SI DEmALL SIDEWALL SIDEWALL INTER.

OUTPUT Mam! .M

ATTOR EYS This invention relates to inspecting articles and particularlyto the inspection of hollow containers such as glass containers todetermine whether. specific regions of the shape and height thereof arewithin predetermined limits.

In the filling, use, handling, and strength of hollow containers such asglass containers as well as from the standpoint of the aestheticcommercial value, it is essential that the shape of the container bemaintained, that is, that the shape of the containers be substantiallythe same. This problem is also of interest in apparatus for makingcontainers such as a glass, ribbon machine wherein it is desirable toascertain any major deviations early in the manufacture of the articleso. that the article can be discarded and subsequent operations in themanufacture of the article will not be wasted as well as to prevent anydeviation of the article from a predetermined standard from adverselyaffecting the apparatus which performs subsequent functions to make thecompleted article.

Accordingly, amongthe objects of the invention are to provide a method,and apparatus for inspecting articles and particularly glass articles todetermine the relative relationships of various portions on theperiphery thereof with respect to one another; which is particularlyapplicable to inspection of hot glass articles made by glass formingprocesses, example, by the hot ribbon process, to inspect the articlesprior to final forming; such a method and apparatus which isoperableeven at high speeds on the order of 1,000 articles per minute or more;which are operable upon articles which are moved continuously withoutinterruption; which are operable on articles without the need forrotation of the article; which are operable to inspect the articleswithout contact therewith; which are operable to inspect the, articlesin longitudinally spaced relation but without limitation on the spacingof the articles longitudinally of one another; which are operable toinspect the articles without regard to the tilt thereof with respect toan axis therethrough; which are operable to inspect various portions ofthe articles independently of other portions; which incorporaterelatively reliable and efficient electronic circuitry; and whichcircuitry is operated to produce a reject signal or indicate thecondition of the article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method and apparatus for inspecting articlesto determine whether or not peripheralportions of the articles are inpredetermined relation to one another which comprises moving thearticles in a continuous path past an inspection station, directing afirst beam of light transversely of the path of the article, causing afirst portion of each article to intercept said first beam of radiantenergy, directing a second beam of radiant energy which is inpredetermined relation to the first beam and is adapted to have one partthereof intercepted by a second portion of the article and another partthereof pass the article if the second portion of the article is inpredetermined relation to the first part and creating a signal forrejection or recording when the second beam is intercepted in itsentirety or passes without intercepting the article. The method andapparatus further comprises, utilizinga plurality of beams atpreselected different longitudinally spaced areas of the article todetermine other positions of various portions on the periphery of thearticle with respect to one another at each cross-section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a fragmentary side elevationalview of an exemplary glass article forming system embodying theinvention.

FIG. 2 is an end view on an enlarged scale of a portion of the systemshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary part sectional plan view taken along line 4-4 onFIG. 2 of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrammatic plan views of the inspectionsystem.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 7-7 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line, 8-8 in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scaletaken alongthe line 99 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken alongthe line 10-10 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line ll-1l inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary elevational view taken along line 12-12, inFIG. 2 of the opposite side of the system shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electronic circuitryutilized inthe system.

DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. 1, the invention is shown in connectionwith hollow glass articles which are to be formed into hollow containersof the type shown in the US. Fat. to Heaton No. 3,372,826, issued Mar.12, 1968. Although the invention has particular utility in connectionwith the inspection of hot hollow glass containers which aretransparent, the invention is also applicable to articles of othermaterials and shapes. The containers are generally bulbous and include abody and a narrow neck portion, each of which has all portions thereofsubstantially annular in cross section. Referring specifically to thedrawing, the containers are made on what is conventionally known as ahot ribbon machine from a ribbon 10 of glass which is carried along byinterconnected orifice plates 11. The glass is blown outwardly byblowheads 12 against the sides of sectional molds 13 carried by a chain14 to form hollow articles A that are connected to the orifice plates 11as shown.

It is desirable to inspect the articles A for major defects in theirperipheral shape and reject the articles which exceed predeterminedstandards in order to prevent useless subsequent operations and furtherto prevent damage to other machinery which acts on the article.Accordingly, the inspecting apparatus 15 is positioned along the pathoftravel of the orifice plates 11 and is adapted to inspect the hotpartially formed articles A as they are moved continuously past theinspection station.

Basically, the apparatus is adapted to inspect the articles anddetermine when one portion or point of the article in a transversehorizontal plane is not in predetermined relationship to another portionor point in that or another plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, thearticle A is adapted to be inspected at a certain position in its travelto determine whether the profile P shown in solid lines is within thepredetermined limits shown in broken lines at a particular pointcircumferentially thereof.

The invention can be more readily understood by references to thediagrams shown in FIGS. and 6. Referring to FIG. 5, a beam of light isdirected from a source L transversely of the path of movement toward aphotosensitive device or detector D, in a position to be intercepted bythe area of small cross section or neck of the article as it approachesthe inspection station. In this position of the container, a divergentbeam of light from a second light source L is directed at an angle tothe beam from the light source L transversely of the path of thecontainer in a position such that a portion of the beam from lightsource L is intercepted by the part P of the container while anotherportion of the light beam will not be. Photoelectric detectors D D arepositioned so that in the absence of the container the divergent lightbeam from the source L energizes the detectors D D If at the instant thelight beam L is intercepted by the container, detector D remainsenergized and detector D is de-energized, the part P of the article isin predetermined relationship to the part P,. If, however, the part Pintercepts the light beam from the light source L in its entirety sothat both detectors D and D are de-energized, then the part P is beyondthe predetermined limit with respect to the part P ofthe article and areject signal is formed as presently described and the article isrejected at a subsequent position along its path by energization of anejector. If both detectors D and D remain energized, the article isundersized and a reject signal is produced.

In a similar manner, a third light source L is provided in the sameplane as the sources L and L and directs a divergent beam of light at anangle to the light sources L and L in a position against a part P of thecontainer which is in predetermined relationship to the part P,. If thepart P is in proper relationship, then the detectors D,, D will beenergized selectively in the manner of detectors D and D If bothdetectors D D are energized or both detectors D D are de-energized atthe time when part P intercepts the light beam L., a reject signal iscreated.

Referring to FIG. 2, a fourth light source L directs a beam transverselyat a right angle to the path of movement in a plane spaced downwardlyfrom the plane of beams L L and L to normally direct a divergent beamagainst detectors D D and thereby inspect the overall length of thearticle. At the instant that the detector D is de-energized by themovement of the article to the inspecting position, if the detector D isdeenergized by interruption of the beam by the bottom of the article andthe detector D-, remains energized, then the length of the article iswithin the predetermined required limits. If, however, both thedetectors D D are de-energized, indicating excessive length, or both thedetectors D D remain energized, indicating that the article is shorterthan the required length, a reject signal is created.

Referring to FIG. 6, the apparatus is adapted to selectively inspect theposition of other transverse horizontal portions of the article at otherpoints longitudinally along the length thereof independently of oneanother by an arrangement of light beams and detectors as shown in FIG.6. A light source L is directed in a horizontal plane at an acute angleto the direction of travel of the article and normally energizes adetector D,,. When the article intercepts the beam from the light sourceL the article if of proper dimension is in position to intercept aportion of the light beam from a light source L which directs adivergent beam against detectors D D If the portion P is not inpredetermined relationship to portion P then both of the detectors D Dwill remain energized or both will remain de-energized indicating areject signal should be created to reject the articles.

To check another point on the circumference of the article in the sameplane, a further light source L is provided to direct light against adetector D and there is associated therewith a light source L,, whichdirects a divergent beam against detectors D D,;,. The beams from thelight sources L L function in the same manner to check the relativerelationship between portions P P of the article.

Similarly, associated detectors are provided in the apparatus to inspectanother transverse plane longitudinally of the axis of the article in amanner identical to FIG. 6. For purposes of clarity, similar parts aredesignated with prime numerals in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to FIG. 2, the light sources and photosensitive detectors aremounted on vertical plates 20, 21 that extend along the sides of thepath of the articles A. The light sources L and detectors D areadjustably mounted in the plates and provision is made for cooling themin order to maintain stability thereof electronically.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the light sources and detectors aremounted in openings in the wall 20. In a similar fashion, the lightsources and detectors are mounted on the opposite wall 21.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a typical light source comprises a body 25in which a lamp 26 is positioned. A tube 27 is adapted to restrict thebeam from the lamp and direct it in a diverging manner toward theoppositely disposed photosensitive detectors. Provision is made forcooling and air purging the body 25 and tube 27.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, each single photoelectric detectorcomprises a body 30 in which the detector element 31 is positioned withan associated tube 32 restricting the line of vision of the detector andprovision being made for air purging. Where a double detector isprovided it may be as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and comprises a body 35which has provision to two detectors 36,37 and associated tubes 38, 39for limiting the vision of the same. Air purging is provided againthrough appropriate openings.

Each of the bodies of the light sources and detectors is adjustablymounted on plates 45 that are adjustably mounted on the back of thewalls 20, 21 as shown in FIG. 12. The bodies are movable on the platesand the plates are in turn adjustable about an axis at thereto on thewalls.

FIG. 13 shows the block diagram of the logic circuitry used with thisgauge. Digital signal conditioning (rather than analog) is used toeliminate factors such as light intensity fluctuations, dirt, straylight, etc. from influencing the precision of the guage.

As shown on FIG. 13, the photocell signal from detector D correspondingto the maximum profile, designated Neck No. 1 light, together with theinverted signal from the minimum profile photocell, D designated NeckNo. 1 dark, are applied to the input of an AND gate 60. The triggersignal derived from the trigger photocell D sets a flip-flop 61 whichfires a oneshot multivibrator 62 which also inputs to the AND gate 60.Other inputs to AND gate 60 are derived from the detectors D Dassociated with portion P of the article. If the light and darkphotocells are illuminated in a manner to indicate that portions P Pexceed predetermined limits, a reject signal will occur at the output ofthe AND gate which will set the next flip-flop 63. If the shape of thearticle is satisfactory, flip-flop 61 is not set.

If a reject is determined, a flip-flop is set for each dimensional checkwith the exception of the neck where one flip-flop is set for bothdimensions. In this way, four sidewall dimensions, the height, and theneck dimensions are checked. These six signals are applied to the inputof an AND gate 64. The output of this AND gate 64 is the accept-rejectsignal.

The flip-flop operated by the trigger signal is used to prevent falseinterrogation after the leading edge of the article has passed. Thisflip-flop is set once by the leading edge of the article and remains setuntiljust prior to the passing of the leading edge of the next article.Thus, false trigger signals due to glass irregularities are prevented.

Each set of detectors or photocells (ie the trigger v and the maximumand the minimum) independently operate their final flip-flop with theexception of the height which is operated by the neck trigger; the fivemeasurements are independent. This simplifies the setup of theinspecting apparatus and minimizes error due to lateral articledisplacement.

Proximity pick-ups 65 and 66 (FIG. 13) are used to sense the position ofeach orifice plate 11. The first pick-up 65 is used to reset the gauge.It is positioned to operate just before the article reaches themeasurement area. The second pick-up 66 is positioned to operate justafter the article leaves the measurement area. The signal from thisoperates a flip-flop 68 which sends an interrupt or synchronizing signalto the computer and/or to a reject register device.

The digital output, corresponding to'the acceptability of the bottle, isretained in a holding circuit until the next bottle is just ready toenter the gauge area. (No. l pick-up, FIG. 13). In this way, theinformation is available for interrogation by a computer for the maximumamount of time.

In operation, the articles are moved in a continuous path through theinspection station without rotation. At the inspection station, theconfiguration of the article at a longitudinally spaced horizontal planeis independent of any other horizontal plane except for the inspectionat the neck which is done simultaneously with the inspection for length.

We claim: I

l. The method of determining cross sectional deviation of portions ofthe periphery of an article with other portions on the periphery of thearticle which comprises moving the article continuously without rotationpast an inspection station,

directing a first beam of radiant energy transversely of the path of thearticle,

causing a first portion of the article to intercept said first beam ofradiant energy thereby interrupting the beam,

directing a second beam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the pathof the article in such a manner that it is in predetermined relation toa second portion of the article when said first portion of the articleintercepts the first beam,

said second beam being directed such that when the second portion of thearticle is in predetermined relation to the first part, a part of saidsecond beam is intercepted by said article and another portion of thesecond beam is not intercepted by the article,

directing a third beam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the pathof the article at another portion of the article in predeterminedrelation to the first and second beams in a manner suchthat when thethird portion of the article is in predetermined relationship to thefirst portion of the article, a portion of said third beam isintercepted by the article and another portion is not intercepted by thearticle, l

directing a plurality of parallel pairs of beams at an acute angle tothe continuous path of the article,

said parallel pairs of beams being provided at planes longitudinallyspaced with respect to said article,

at least two pairs of beams being provided at circumferentially spacedarea in a single plane,

each said pair of beams being directed such that when one portion of thearticle in the plane of said pair of beams is intercepted by one of saidpair of beams in predetermined relation to another portion of thearticle, a portion of said other beam of said pair of beams isintercepted by the other portion of the article and another portion ofsaid other beam is not intercepted by the other portion of the article,

directing an additional beam of radiant energy in the plane of the endof the article, and

causing said article to be rejected in the event that said second orthird beams are entirely intercepted by the article or no portion ofsaid second and third beams is intercepted by the article or all or noneof each of one of each of the other beams of each said pairs of parallelbeams is intercepted by I the article thereby indicating that the secondor third portion of the article or the portions of the articleintercepted by said parallel beams are not in predetermined relation tothe article.

2. The method set forth in claim 1 including directing another beamtransversely of the path of the article for partial interception by anarticle of predetermined length,

causing said article to be rejected when said lastmentioned beam isentirely intercepted by the article or no portion of said beam isintercepted by the article when the first beam is intercepted.

3. The method set forth in claim I wherein said article moved in saidpath comprises a partially formed hot hollow glass article suspendedfrom its open upper end.

4. The method of determining cross sectional deviation of portions ofthe periphery of an article with other portions on the periphery of thearticle which comprises moving the article continuously without rotationpast an inspection station,

directing a first beam of radiant energy transversely of the path of thearticle,

causing a first portion of the article to intercept said first beam ofradiant energy thereby interrupting the beam,

directing a second beam of radiant energy in such a manner that it is inpredetermined relation to a second portion of the article when saidfirst portion of the article intercepts the first beam,

said second beam being directed such that when the second portion of thearticle is in predetermined relation to the first part, a part of saidsecond beam is intercepted by said article and another portion of thesecond beam is not intercepted by the article,

directing a third beam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the pathof the article at another portion of the article in predeterminedrelation to the first and second beams, and

causing the article to be rejected when the third portion of the articleis in predetermined relationship to the first portion of the article, aportion of said third beam is intercepted by the article and anotherportion is not intercepted by the article.

5. The method set forth in claim 4 including directing another beamtransversely of the path of the article for partial interception by anarticle of predetermined length,

causing said article to be rejected when said lastmentioned beam isentirely intercepted by the article or no portion of said beam isintercepted by the article when the first beam is intercepted.

6. An apparatus for determining the deviation of one portion of anarticle with respect to another portion of the article comprising meansfor moving the article continuously in a path without rotation past aninspection station,

a first source of radiant energy mounted adjacent to the inspectionstation for directing a first beam of radiant energy transversely of thepath in position to be intercepted by a first portion of the article,

a first detector positioned with its line of sight intercepting thefirst beam of radiant energy,

whereby a first signal is produced when the article intercepts the beam,

21 second source of radiant energy directing a second beam of radiantenergy at an acute angle to the path of the article in such a mannerthat the second beam is in predetermined relation to a second portion ofthe article at the inspection station,

a pair of detectors having their lines of vision such that when anotherportion of the article is in predetermined relation to the first portionof the article thereby de-energizing said first detector, one of saidpair of detectors is energized and the other is de-energized,

means for directing a third beam of radiant energy at an acute angle tothe path of the article at a third portion of the article inpredetermined relation to the first beam,

a second pair of detectors positioned in a manner such that when thethird portion of the article is in predetermined relationship to thefirst portion of the article, a part of said third beam energizes one ofsaid second pair of detectors and another part of said third beam isintercepted by the article,

means for directing parallel pairs of beams at an acute angle withrespect to the path of the article,

said parallel pairs of beams being at longitudinally spaced planes withrespect to the article,

at least two pairs of said beams being positioned in each said planesuch that each pair is in predetermined relation with respect to twocircumferentially spaced portions of the article,

a single detector associated with one of each of said pairs of beams anda pair of detectors being associated with the other of said pair ofbeams such that when one portion of the article in the plane of saidpair of beams is intercepted by one of said pair of beams inpredetermined relation to another portion of the article, a portion ofsaid other beam of said pair of beams is intercepted by the otherportion of the article and another portion of said other beam is notintercepted by the other portion of the article, and

means for creating a reject signal when said pair of detectorsassociated with said second beam is energized simultaneously orde-energized simultaneously when said first detector is de-energized orwhen said pair of detectors associated with said third beam is energizedsimultaneously or de-energized simultaneously when said first detectoris deenergized or when any of said pairs of detectors associated withthe other beams of said pairs of beams are energized simultaneously orde-energized simultaneously.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 6 including means for directinganother beam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the path of thearticle at another portion of the article in predetermined relation tothe first and second beam, and

means for directing another beam transversely of the path of the articlefor partial interception by an article of predetermined length, and

means for causing said article to be rejected when said last-mentionedbeam is entirely intercepted by the article or no portion of said beamis intercepted by the article when the first beam is intercepted.

9. An apparatus for determining the deviation of one portion of anarticle with respect to another portion of the article comprising meansfor moving the article continuously in a path without rotation past aninspection station,

a first source of radiant energy mounted adjacent to the inspectionstation for directing a first beam of second beam is in predeterminedrelation to a 10 second portion of the article at the inspectionstation,

a pair of detectors having their lines of vision such that when anotherportion of the article is in predetermined relation to the first portionof the article thereby de-energizing said first detector, one of saidpair of detectors is energized and the other is de-energized,

means for directing a third beam of radiant energy at a third portion ofthe article in predetermined relation to the first beam,

a second pair of detectors positioned in a manner such that when thethird portion of the article is in predetermined relationship to thefirst portion of the article, a pair of said third beam energizes one ofsaid second pair of detectors and another part of said third beam isintercepted by the article, and means for creating a reject signal ifboth or each of said pair of detectors are energized or de-energizedwhen said first detector is de-energized. 10. The apparatus set forth inclaim 9 including means for directing another beam of radiant energy atan acute angle to the path of the article at another portion of thearticle in predetermined relation to the first and second beam, and

means for causing the article to be rejected when the third portion ofthe article is in predetermined relationship to the first portion of thearticle, a

*eiIePOl'fiOll of said third beam is intercepted by the article andanother portion is not intercepted by the article.

1]. The combination set forth in claim 9 including means for directinganother beam transversely of the path of the article for partialinterception by an article of predetermined length, and

means for causing said article to be rejected when said last-mentionedbeam is entirely intercepted by the article or no portion of said beamis intercepted by the article when the first beam is intercepted.

1. The method of determining cross sectional deviation of portions ofthe periphery of an article with other portions on the periphery of thearticle which comprises moving the article continuously without rotationpast an inspection station, directing a first beam of radiant energytransversely of the path of the article, causing a first portion of thearticle to intercept said first beam of radiant energy therebyinterrupting the beam, directing a second beam of radiant energy at anacute angle to the path of the article in such a manner that it is inpredetermined relation to a second portion of the article when saidfirst portion of the article intercepts the first beam, said second beambeing directed such that when the second portion of the article is inpredetermined relation to the first part, a part of said second beam isintercepted by said article and another portion of the second beam isnot intercepted by the article, directing a third beam of radiant eneRgyat an acute angle to the path of the article at another portion of thearticle in predetermined relation to the first and second beams in amanner such that when the third portion of the article is inpredetermined relationship to the first portion of the article, aportion of said third beam is intercepted by the article and anotherportion is not intercepted by the article, directing a plurality ofparallel pairs of beams at an acute angle to the continuous path of thearticle, said parallel pairs of beams being provided at planeslongitudinally spaced with respect to said article, at least two pairsof beams being provided at circumferentially spaced area in a singleplane, each said pair of beams being directed such that when one portionof the article in the plane of said pair of beams is intercepted by oneof said pair of beams in predetermined relation to another portion ofthe article, a portion of said other beam of said pair of beams isintercepted by the other portion of the article and another portion ofsaid other beam is not intercepted by the other portion of the article,directing an additional beam of radiant energy in the plane of the endof the article, and causing said article to be rejected in the eventthat said second or third beams are entirely intercepted by the articleor no portion of said second and third beams is intercepted by thearticle or all or none of each of one of each of the other beams of eachsaid pairs of parallel beams is intercepted by the article therebyindicating that the second or third portion of the article or theportions of the article intercepted by said parallel beams are not inpredetermined relation to the article.
 1. The method of determiningcross sectional deviation of portions of the periphery of an articlewith other portions on the periphery of the article which comprisesmoving the article continuously without rotation past an inspectionstation, directing a first beam of radiant energy transversely of thepath of the article, causing a first portion of the article to interceptsaid first beam of radiant energy thereby interrupting the beam,directing a second beam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the pathof the article in such a manner that it is in predetermined relation toa second portion of the article when said first portion of the articleintercepts the first beam, said second beam being directed such thatwhen the second portion of the article is in predetermined relation tothe first part, a part of said second beam is intercepted by saidarticle and another portion of the second beam is not intercepted by thearticle, directing a third beam of radiant eneRgy at an acute angle tothe path of the article at another portion of the article inpredetermined relation to the first and second beams in a manner suchthat when the third portion of the article is in predeterminedrelationship to the first portion of the article, a portion of saidthird beam is intercepted by the article and another portion is notintercepted by the article, directing a plurality of parallel pairs ofbeams at an acute angle to the continuous path of the article, saidparallel pairs of beams being provided at planes longitudinally spacedwith respect to said article, at least two pairs of beams being providedat circumferentially spaced area in a single plane, each said pair ofbeams being directed such that when one portion of the article in theplane of said pair of beams is intercepted by one of said pair of beamsin predetermined relation to another portion of the article, a portionof said other beam of said pair of beams is intercepted by the otherportion of the article and another portion of said other beam is notintercepted by the other portion of the article, directing an additionalbeam of radiant energy in the plane of the end of the article, andcausing said article to be rejected in the event that said second orthird beams are entirely intercepted by the article or no portion ofsaid second and third beams is intercepted by the article or all or noneof each of one of each of the other beams of each said pairs of parallelbeams is intercepted by the article thereby indicating that the secondor third portion of the article or the portions of the articleintercepted by said parallel beams are not in predetermined relation tothe article.
 2. The method set forth in claim 1 including directinganother beam transversely of the path of the article for partialinterception by an article of predetermined length, causing said articleto be rejected when said last-mentioned beam is entirely intercepted bythe article or no portion of said beam is intercepted by the articlewhen the first beam is intercepted.
 3. The method set forth in claim 1wherein said article moved in said path comprises a partially formed hothollow glass article suspended from its open upper end.
 4. The method ofdetermining cross sectional deviation of portions of the periphery of anarticle with other portions on the periphery of the article whichcomprises moving the article continuously without rotation past aninspection station, directing a first beam of radiant energytransversely of the path of the article, causing a first portion of thearticle to intercept said first beam of radiant energy therebyinterrupting the beam, directing a second beam of radiant energy in sucha manner that it is in predetermined relation to a second portion of thearticle when said first portion of the article intercepts the firstbeam, said second beam being directed such that when the second portionof the article is in predetermined relation to the first part, a part ofsaid second beam is intercepted by said article and another portion ofthe second beam is not intercepted by the article, directing a thirdbeam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the path of the article atanother portion of the article in predetermined relation to the firstand second beams, and causing the article to be rejected when the thirdportion of the article is in predetermined relationship to the firstportion of the article, a portion of said third beam is intercepted bythe article and another portion is not intercepted by the article. 5.The method set forth in claim 4 including directing another beamtransversely of the path of the article for partial interception by anarticle of predetermined length, causing said article to be rejectedwhen said last-mentioned beam is entirely intercepted by the article orno portion of said beam is intercepted by the article when the firstbeam is intercepted.
 6. An apParatus for determining the deviation ofone portion of an article with respect to another portion of the articlecomprising means for moving the article continuously in a path withoutrotation past an inspection station, a first source of radiant energymounted adjacent to the inspection station for directing a first beam ofradiant energy transversely of the path in position to be intercepted bya first portion of the article, a first detector positioned with itsline of sight intercepting the first beam of radiant energy, whereby afirst signal is produced when the article intercepts the beam, a secondsource of radiant energy directing a second beam of radiant energy at anacute angle to the path of the article in such a manner that the secondbeam is in predetermined relation to a second portion of the article atthe inspection station, a pair of detectors having their lines of visionsuch that when another portion of the article is in predeterminedrelation to the first portion of the article thereby de-energizing saidfirst detector, one of said pair of detectors is energized and the otheris de-energized, means for directing a third beam of radiant energy atan acute angle to the path of the article at a third portion of thearticle in predetermined relation to the first beam, a second pair ofdetectors positioned in a manner such that when the third portion of thearticle is in predetermined relationship to the first portion of thearticle, a part of said third beam energizes one of said second pair ofdetectors and another part of said third beam is intercepted by thearticle, means for directing parallel pairs of beams at an acute anglewith respect to the path of the article, said parallel pairs of beamsbeing at longitudinally spaced planes with respect to the article, atleast two pairs of said beams being positioned in each said plane suchthat each pair is in predetermined relation with respect to twocircumferentially spaced portions of the article, a single detectorassociated with one of each of said pairs of beams and a pair ofdetectors being associated with the other of said pair of beams suchthat when one portion of the article in the plane of said pair of beamsis intercepted by one of said pair of beams in predetermined relation toanother portion of the article, a portion of said other beam of saidpair of beams is intercepted by the other portion of the article andanother portion of said other beam is not intercepted by the otherportion of the article, and means for creating a reject signal when saidpair of detectors associated with said second beam is energizedsimultaneously or de-energized simultaneously when said first detectoris de-energized or when said pair of detectors associated with saidthird beam is energized simultaneously or de-energized simultaneouslywhen said first detector is de-energized or when any of said pairs ofdetectors associated with the other beams of said pairs of beams areenergized simultaneously or de-energized simultaneously.
 7. Theapparatus set forth in claim 6 including means for directing anotherbeam of radiant energy at an acute angle to the path of the article atanother portion of the article in predetermined relation to the firstand second beam, and means for causing the article to be rejected whenthe third portion of the article is in predetermined relationship to thefirst portion of the article, a portion of said third beam isintercepted by the article and another portion is not intercepted by thearticle.
 8. The combination set forth in claim 6 including means fordirecting another beam transversely of the path of the article forpartial interception by an article of predetermined length, and meansfor causing said article to be rejected when said last-mentioned beam isentirely intercepted by the article or no portion of said beam isintercepted by the article when the first beam is intercepted.
 9. Anapparatus For determining the deviation of one portion of an articlewith respect to another portion of the article comprising means formoving the article continuously in a path without rotation past aninspection station, a first source of radiant energy mounted adjacent tothe inspection station for directing a first beam of radiant energytransversely of the path in position to be intercepted by a firstportion of the article, a first detector positioned with its line ofsight intercepting the first beam of radiant energy, whereby a firstsignal is produced when the article intercepts the beam, a second sourceof radiant energy directing a second beam of radiant energy at an acuteangle to the path of the article in such a manner that the second beamis in predetermined relation to a second portion of the article at theinspection station, a pair of detectors having their lines of visionsuch that when another portion of the article is in predeterminedrelation to the first portion of the article thereby de-energizing saidfirst detector, one of said pair of detectors is energized and the otheris de-energized, means for directing a third beam of radiant energy at athird portion of the article in predetermined relation to the firstbeam, a second pair of detectors positioned in a manner such that whenthe third portion of the article is in predetermined relationship to thefirst portion of the article, a pair of said third beam energizes one ofsaid second pair of detectors and another part of said third beam isintercepted by the article, and means for creating a reject signal ifboth or each of said pair of detectors are energized or de-energizedwhen said first detector is de-energized.
 10. The apparatus set forth inclaim 9 including means for directing another beam of radiant energy atan acute angle to the path of the article at another portion of thearticle in predetermined relation to the first and second beam, andmeans for causing the article to be rejected when the third portion ofthe article is in predetermined relationship to the first portion of thearticle, a portion of said third beam is intercepted by the article andanother portion is not intercepted by the article.